Agility for dogs

How did it start?

Agility for dogs is a fairly young sport. The first competition was held in the UK at Crufts in 1978. Overcoming the obstacle course by the dogs delighted the audience, and from that moment on, agility competitions became an integral part of the show, and later gained popularity in other countries. The creator of agility, as well as the organizer of the show, John Varley was a passionate fan of equestrian sports. Therefore, it is believed that it was equestrian competitions that were taken as the basis.

What is agility?

Agility is the overcoming of an obstacle course by a dog. This is a team sport, a dog and its owner take part in it, who gives commands and directs in the right direction.

The main thing in this sport is contact and complete mutual understanding between man and animal, as well as good training, since the cleanliness and speed of the route depends on this.

Agility courses consist of various obstacles that must be completed in a certain sequence. These obstacles are of various types:

• Contact obstacles – those that involve direct contact of the animal with the obstacle itself (usually a slide, swing, tunnel, and so on);

• Jump obstacles, that is, those that involve the dog making a jump (barrier, ring);

• Other obstacles. This includes agility equipment such as slalom (parallel sticks arranged vertically in a row that the dog snakes when passed) and square/podium (a fenced or raised square platform on which the dog must freeze in one position for a certain amount of time).

Experienced handlers take into account the individual and breed characteristics of each dog, as well as its “guide”. This allows you to achieve good results and successfully pass the track.

There are various agility competitions and certificates that are given for the successful passage of the track several times in a row. These competitions have their own requirements, marks and penalties for mistakes.

How to start exercising?

If you decide that both you and your pet like a sport like agility, you first need to teach the dog the basic commands. This will help you get in touch.

After you have completed the initial training course, you can start training agility. It is best to attend classes at one of the canine schools, as they usually have special areas for agility. Also, group classes will help you and your pet learn to focus and work in conditions when there are many distractions around (people, dogs, noises).

Try to diversify your workouts so that your pet does not get bored and does not lose interest. Remember that you can not scold him for the wrong passage of the projectile, and even more so beat or shout, because for the dog agility is entertainment and a way to give free rein to the accumulated energy. It is better, on the contrary, to praise the pet as often as possible when he does something right. Then training will be associated with fun and joy in the dog, and he will be happy to do everything you say.

Agility is available to every dog, regardless of its breed and age. After all, the main thing in it is not speed and victory, but the connection between the dog and the owner and the pleasure of both from spending time together.